You are talking about simple living a great philosophy but very hard to do in todays world pushed by technology and the economy. Check out Walden Pond by Henry David Thereau he speaks of this many years ago.
how is it hard?
It's hard to be smart enough to identify the real good sources of hapiness and pleasure and eradicate those who arent as positive in the long run, that is the "hard" part.
Hard to resist to the numerous temptations in our decadent societies that mislead people and make em unhappy even if they live in the most richest and advanced civilizations ever.
You cant be happy if you're not smart enough, or at least trying to get smarter whatever your skills in this aspect of life. Being smart doesnt mean you have to be a smart ass either or an "intelectual"... it's just about knowing what's really good and what isnt for you and your loved ones. Reading stories from the begining of mankind , from our ancesters who dealt with exactly the same kind of thoughts we have but centuries ago is also quite reassuring and fulfiling.
All in all, it's always the same story repeating itself over and over for everyone, and it doesnt make it less enjoyable, especially if you know what is your story and like it for what it is. Even if it can be obvious to some that we re all doing something someone has already done sometime somewhere, a lot of people dont figure this in their whole life.
